The 38th World Diamond Congress, the biennial meeting of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) and the International Diamond Manufacturers Association (IDMA), began on Tuesday (October 23) in Mumbai.

Baselworld announces six-day event for 2018

The organisers of Baselworld have announced that from 2018, the jewellery and watch show will condense to a six-day event.

The decision to shorten the show by two days follows talks with exhibitors and members of industry committees.

Baselworld 2017 closed its doors on Thursday (March 30) following its 100th edition of the jewellery and watch trade event.

Show organisers reported a -4% drop in exhibitors compared to last year’s show, with more than 10,600 buyers from 100 countries attending the eight-day show in Switzerland.

A statement from the show organisers announced ‘that the industry is currently going through a challenging phase, which particularly affects smaller companies.

“Listening to our exhibitors and in agreement with the members of the different committees, we have decided to reduce the duration of the show and adjust the prices accordingly.’

From 2018, Baselworld will be held from Thursday, March 22 to Tuesday, March 27 2018, with the press day held on Wednesday, March 21.

Sylvie Ritter managing director of Baselworldsaid: Baselworld once again gave the sector a positive impulse by putting it on a pedestal to shine. The passion behind the innovative spirit that distinguishes the industry has been reaffirmed which will undoubtedly drive them forward with renewed vitality.”

“Baselworld will maintain the attractiveness of the show and its global impact by remaining faithful to our strategy which favours quality and leverages diversity in all sectors,” added Ritter.